Venture further out to Greece, France and Spain for a luxurious summer vacation in these breathtaking European places to stay
Short tropical island getaways in Bali or Koh Samui are reserved for, well, the long weekends. If you’ve got some leave days to spare this summer, take your vacation up a notch with a trip to Europe for some sun, sand and sea. Ahead, our friends at TheLuxeNomad.com recommends the best European vacation villas to book in Greece, France and Spain.
Stay close to the nude beach
Paradise Beach, Mykonos’ original nudist beach, is just a walk away from the beautiful Villa Drakothea. Liberation! Too shy, you say? Things can get equally as exciting inside your four-bedroom villa (where clothing is optional), which boasts a private saltwater swimming pool. Condé Nast Traveler voted it the fifth sexiest pool in the world, mind. So strip down (in the privacy of your villa or at Paradise Beach, soak up the Cycladic sun, bask in the cool island breeze and enjoy views of islands like Naxos, Paros, Ikaria and Donusa.
Book it: Villa Drakothea, Mykonos, Greece
Get front-row seats to the sunset
Six-bedroom villa Paros Memories is as Mediterranean as it gets — minimalist architecture, white walls, accompanied by gorgeous sky views. The whole design really comes together when you see how it allows the sunlight in against the backdrop of the ocean. Its location couldn’t be more ideal, with unobstructed and unparalleled views of the Aegean sunset, which you can catch from the long, rectangular pool, or from the Agia Eirini beach just a short walk away. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s lots of wind surfing, biking and sailing action to be had in Santorini.
Book it: Paros Memories, Santorini, Greece
Have perfect afternoon siestas
Don’t know Corsica? You’re about to, real quick. This magnificent luxury villa on the French island overlooks Palombaggia beach, is close to the trendy town of Porto Vecchio, and sits on a quiet hillside, surrounded by stunning scenery and unrivalled sea views. The property sleeps up to ten guests in its five en-suite bedrooms, and is outfitted with luxurious facilities including a heated outdoor swimming pool, modern gymnasium, cinema room and two hot tubs, a children’s play area, boules pitch and bar under the shade of centuries-old olive trees. The large outdoor pool surrounded by the stunning views are great for snoozing!
Book it: Villa Palombaggia, Corsica, France
When in Ibiza, throw a pool party
Villa Los Dos Carlos, a two-storey villa just 15 minutes from Ibiza’s town, has pretty much everything you need for the ultimate vacation; an outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, gym equipment, seven spacious bedrooms and a living room with multiple seating areas (why stop at one?). But you’ll definitely want to take it outside, where there are sun loungers and umbrellas, terrace day beds, barbecue, kitchen, massage deck, and enviable views of the ocean and the beautifully-landscaped garden.
Book it: Villa Los Dos Carlos, Ibiza, Spain
Fit your entire entourage under one roof
If you ever need to getaway with your entire extended family, you’d probably want to be at Villa Le Capanne. The luxurious nine-bedroom Tuscan rural retreat is located in the countryside, 300m away from the village of Montecastelli Pisano, but is only an hour’s drive to the major art cities of Siena, Florence and Pisa. The villa is exactly what you imagine your Tuscan dream home to look like, with views of the rolling hills and the town’s famous sunset. We love the original 13th century stone walls, plus the modern swimming pool and outdoor heated Jacuzzi.
Book it: Villa Le Capanne, Tuscany, Italy
Rub shoulders with the jet-set
St. Tropez is where the rich and famous of Europe descend upon during summer, so you’ll be bound to bump into a familiar face (or two if you know your European celebrities) when you stay at the beautiful Villa Maison Jolie. This amazingly chic six-bedroom accommodation is located in the heart of the town’s centre, and is the only standalone private villa with a garden. Located two minutes from the charming port and famous Café de Paris and Senequier, you’ll fall in amour with the villa’s beige, white and grey palette, beautiful outdoor porch, dining area, ancient 17th century full kitchenette for long French lunches and a 150 sqm garden for general mischief.
Book it: Villa Maison Jolie, St Tropez, France
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